Melanoma

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a serious health concern that requires attention and understanding. This overview aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of melanoma, its causes, symptoms, and potential risks. Melanoma is characterized by the abnormal growth of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. It typically develops in areas exposed to the sun but can also occur in non-exposed areas like the palms of hands or soles of feet.

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Melanoma, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Cancer Specialist.

Causes of Melanoma

• UV Radiation Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds can damage skin cells, increasing the risk of melanoma.
• Fair Skin: Individuals with fair or light skin that burns easily are more susceptible to melanoma.
• Genetics and Family History: A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers can increase the risk.
• Personal History of Skin Cancer: Previous skin cancers or atypical moles can elevate the risk of developing melanoma.
• Multiple Moles or Atypical Moles: Having numerous moles or moles with irregular shapes or colors raises melanoma risk.
• Weakened Immune System: Those with weakened immune systems, due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive treatments, are at higher risk.
• Age and Gender: Melanoma is more common in people over 50, but younger people, especially women, may also develop it.
• Sunburns in Childhood: Severe sunburns during childhood or adolescence can increase the risk later in life.
• Exposure to Chemicals: Certain chemicals, such as pesticides, may contribute to the development of melanoma.
• Living in Sunny Climates: People living in areas with high sun exposure or near the equator have an increased risk.

Risk Factors of Melanoma

• UV Exposure (sunlight or tanning beds)
• Fair Skin (lighter skin tones)
• Family History (genetic predisposition)
• Multiple Moles (large number of moles)
• History of Sunburns (especially early in life)
• Weakened Immune System (due to medical conditions or treatments)
• Age (more common in older adults)
• Gender (more common in men, especially after age 50)
• Previous Melanoma (increases risk of recurrence)

Symptoms of Melanoma

• Changes in Existing Moles: Existing moles may change in size, shape, or color.
• New Mole or Growth: A new mole or dark spot that appears on the skin, particularly after the age of 30.
• Irregular Borders: Moles or growths with uneven, jagged, or scalloped borders.
• Asymmetry: Moles or spots that are asymmetrical, meaning one half does not match the other.
• Color Variations: Moles or growths with multiple colors or uneven color distribution, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
• Itching or Tenderness: The mole or area may itch, become tender, or feel painful.
• Bleeding or Oozing: A mole or growth that bleeds, oozes, or crusts over.
• Size Increase: A mole or spot that rapidly increases in size, especially if it exceeds 6mm in diameter.
• Swelling or Redness: The skin around a mole or growth becomes swollen, red, or inflamed.
• Appearance of New Lesions: The appearance of new lesions or bumps on the skin that seem unusual compared to other moles.
• Lymph Node Swelling: Swollen lymph nodes near the area of the melanoma, which can be a sign of spreading.

Diagnosis for Melanoma

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider examines the skin for any unusual moles, growths, or changes in existing moles.
• Skin Biopsy: A sample of the suspicious mole or skin growth is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm if it is cancerous.
• Dermatoscopy: A special tool called a dermatoscope is used to closely examine the skin and moles for signs of melanoma.
• Excisional Biopsy: The entire mole or growth is surgically removed for biopsy to determine if it is melanoma.
• Shave Biopsy: A small section of the mole is shaved off to be examined, though this is less common for melanoma diagnosis.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: If melanoma is suspected to have spread, a biopsy of the sentinel lymph node (the first lymph node that drains the area of the melanoma) may be done.
• Molecular Testing: Genetic tests may be performed on the tumor tissue to identify specific mutations that can guide treatment.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Imaging scans may be used to check for melanoma spread to other organs.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used to detect melanoma spread to the brain or other internal organs.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): A scan that helps detect melanoma spread to distant organs or lymph nodes.

Treatments for Melanoma

• Surgical Removal: The primary treatment for early-stage melanoma, involving the removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy skin around it.
• Wide Local Excision: If melanoma has spread to surrounding tissue, the tumor and extra tissue are removed to ensure complete clearance.
• Lymph Node Dissection: If melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, they may be surgically removed.
• Immunotherapy: Treatments that boost the body's immune system to fight cancer, including checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab) or cytokine therapy.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF inhibitors like vemurafenib or dabrafenib) to stop cancer growth.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, often used when melanoma has spread to other parts of the body.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation is used to target and destroy melanoma cells, typically for advanced melanoma or to relieve symptoms.
• Biological Therapy: Involves using natural substances or synthetic versions of them to treat melanoma, such as interleukins.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Post-surgery treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence in high-risk patients.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing of melanoma cells with liquid nitrogen, often used for small, superficial melanomas.
• Electrodesiccation and Curettage: A technique involving scraping off the melanoma and using electricity to destroy remaining cancer cells, generally used for very early-stage melanomas.

Preventive Measures for Melanoma

• Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: Limit time in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest.
• Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, sunglasses, and clothing with UV protection to shield your skin from the sun.
• Seek Shade: Stay in the shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Refrain from using tanning beds or sunlamps, as they increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Regular Skin Checks: Perform self-exams to monitor any changes in existing moles or the appearance of new ones.
• Get Regular Skin Exams: Visit a dermatologist for professional skin checks, especially if you have a family history of melanoma or numerous moles.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, helping to resist sun damage.
• Be Cautious with Medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so always check with a healthcare provider for recommendations.
• Avoid Sunburns: Take precautions to prevent sunburns, which can increase your risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Do's & Don’t's

When it comes to melanoma, knowing the do's and don'ts can make a significant difference in prevention, early detection, and treatment. By following these guidelines, you can take proactive steps to protect your skin and overall health. 

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Melanoma, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Cancer Specialist.